Cheshire Observer

1> NANTWICH. LORD SEFTON'S MOTOR. A(,(,']I)E,,NT. "B Monday night Lord Seftwn met with an accident near Nantwich His lordship was return- Ing in his motor car to his hunting liox fit Tilstone, and when near Bluestone the chaffeur, who was not well af-qn-iinted with the toad, took the wrong urning for Henhull. On discovering his mistake he turned the car round, and came in contact with the becigo, bank. Lord Seiton MIW thrown cut of the vehicle, and sustained a cut over the eve, grazed his knee, and was much shake!) The car was b v damped, and bA to be towed back to Nant- ?.hlyfor repair8. His !"rdsh!p proceeded home in la a conveyance that happened to be passing at the time of the accident.

FRODSHAM. SAD DEATH -011 Saturday at noon, Miss McWhannel, well- known locally, SVH-S found drowned a pit close to Castle Hill, "the residence of Mr. Faulkner. The deceased lady was housekeeper at Castle Hill. GAME TRESPASS.—A young fellow named Arthur. Fletcher. Frodsham, was summoned at Runcorn for trespassing in pursuit of game on land in the occupation of Mr Joseph Astbury. Joseph Houghton, assistant gamekeeper to Sir Rkhard Brooke, said that on December 19 he ,;a.N the defen- dant coming off the land in question. Witness asked hl in whlt he had been doing there, and he said hew was walking from Halton-LThe -defendant had a smart-looking greyhound with him. A fine of 10s. and costs or 14 days was imposed.

ACTON. DISTRIBUTION OF CHARITABLE BE- QUESTS —This year a new departure W,<,S made in the distribution of the old charily. It was considered by the trustees that nowadays''bread is so cheap that there are none so poor who cannot afford a crust, and it was thought that instead of distributing to 2i people a shiiliiar' wort h of bread each, a most necessitous uase should be selected, and the sovereign to he spent given to thtt individual This has been done. The late Mr. S. Downes, of Tithebarn-strect, Liverpool, left in his will the interest of B200 to be given at Christmas time to the deserving poor of Cholmondeston, and 'L. 'I., iieappoimea tne N, icar of Anton and the tenants of the liawthorns end Cheiry Orchard farms as trustees. On Christmas Day the sum of £ f 2" (;d was distributed for the first time, being three months interest

HAW »IU)EN HA'V liDE; OLD SCHOLAR- RE-UNION'.—Th« annual gathering of the old scholars of th- Ilaward.m National Schools took place at the 1 iym;i tsmm on Monday, and proved one of the most successful meetings, establishing a as regards numbers. About 12_ 4 Rat down to tea. An entertainment, followed in which the following took par* Mr. C. Hurlbntt, Messrs. T. B,, i: ey, J Tu-k, an 3 F. Pyke, the Misses Pieicy M Wileoek, and Grdfuhs and others. The rector (the Rev. S. E. Gladstone) and Mrs. Gladstone and Miss Catherine (jlads.o;»K were present, also Mr. C Huributt. Mrs. Leach, Miss J. Davie;?, Miss Ada Jones, Me-.s D.vrbv-;hn-e the Rev A. Abel, and others. The R--ctor made a short -pa(,h, in "'b Ich he alluded to the f-ict that this was probably his last visit to the annual meeting. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing. The music was supplied by Messrs. Williams's baud The duties of hon. secretary were in the hands of Mr. Harry Jones, who must be congratulated on the success of the proceedings.

FLINT. I BILLIARDS: CONSERVATIVE CLUB HANDICAP —This popular Christinas tmlldlCiLp was brought to a close on Tuesday. rile p:iz, ILS usual, were numerous. George Clews cap! nrud the premier prize after play" ing a consistent game throughout the handicap.Air. J. Ward efficiently discharged the duties of secretary. CHORAL SOCIETY SOIREE. The annual Soiree iM connection with the Flint Choral Society took place in the Town Hall on Tuesday, and was attended by upwards of 120 The affair was a huge success. Vocal music, dancing, parlour games etc were indulged in. Mr Rooms:>n (Chester), the conductor, and the ex- \iavor (Mr. T. W. Hughes) sang a pretty duet, and Mr. Robinson's party weie responsible for a funuy sketch which brought down the house. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor (Major Dyson) for the profound interest he takes in the society He ha* been its president since the society's inception. Mr. Craven supplied the dance music. +

RITA BON. COLLIERS AND THE RELIEF SOCIETY.- The decision of the numerous miners cllIIJloyed at the Hafod Collieries, Ruabon, one of the largest mines in North Wales, was announced on Saturday night respecting the threatened severance of the Miners from the Permanent Relief Society of North Wales. it seems that, owing to the colliery owners having withdrawn their 25 per cent contribution to the Society's funds, the miners desired to never their connection with the Society, to which they were expected to increase their weekly payments The masters withdrew owing to a large number of com- pensation claims having to he me- One thousand one hundred miners voted for continued 'Coiance to the Society, or a majority of ItiO over thost) who contemplated severance. At the same colliery a ballot was taken for the election of a delegate jy tile council of the Miners' Federation, North W?en. Samuel RoOerfcs, Hope-street, Rhos. and Joseph Davies, Brook-street, Rhos, were nominated, and the result of the ballot was declared on Saturd iy as toliows: hooerts, 435; Davies, 452; majority 34 rotes. —— « —————

M ALP AS. POSTAL OFFICIALS' SOCIAL.-On Satur- day the Malpas postal officials held their fourth annual social tea and dance .n tne Jubilee HalL About 80 persons were present during the even- ing. After tea dancing commenced and continued throughout the evening, being interspersed with songs by Messrs. R. Ankers and H. Coffin, while Mr. T. Meroer's Harmonica Baud (und-sr the oon- duotorship of Mr. R. Ankersj gave several selec- tions whidi were woll reoev-Ed. Master F. All- man also eemtributed several instrumental ee-iec- tions. The M.C's. were Messrs. A. Benyon and G. Boughy, whose efforts, nided by Mr. Fletcher's band, gave entire satisfaction. The arrangements were in the capable hands of Mr. J. Baker, hon. secretary, and the proceedings throughout re- flected much credit on all concerned JUVEKILES AND VETERANS ENTER- rlrAlJNijD Last week, through the kind- ness of Mi. and Mrs. Greenshields, the whole of the scholars attend ng the Alport and Infant Schools, together with the old people of the town were entertained at an excellent t.e.1 in the Jubilee Hall. Prior to the tea, the children, who numbered upwards of 300, assembled in the hall and were entertainxl by Professor St. Clair with his sleight of hand tricks, which h.ghiy amused the vcting- peopie and gave them much delight. At the tea Mr. and Mrs. Greenshields and their respected family were present, including Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Walwyn, in honour of whose marriage the treat was given by Mr. and Mrs. Greenshields, and who had returned home cn the prev ous day. After the chiidrcn and old people had partaken of tea, which all appeared to thoroughly enjoy tho teachers and friend?, who I ad kindly assisted, p-,trto,-k of tea together. Later in the eveing Mr. VValwyn entertained the children with his inimi- table songs, etc. At the cloee hearty cheers were ral%d for Mr. and Mrs. Greeiishieids and family for their kindnesses. ■- -+ ——

NESTON. CAROLS AT THE CHURCH.—At the close of the service at the parish church on Sunday evening the choir, in accordance with the annual custom, sang several carols, including those old favourites "The First Nowell," "When Christ was born," and "It was in the winter's cold." The congrega- tion remained in a body while the carols were being rendered. NEW OWNER FOR OLD ACRES-" Wood- park," Windle Hill, near Neston, formerly the pro- perty and the residence of the late Captain Ward, ahd subsequently for m:my years owned and OCcupied by his son, Mr. G H. Ward, has been Purchased bv Mr. Overton, a Liverpool cotton looker, who will later on take up his abode there. A<lr. Overton has purchased the whole of the estate. ^itprising a quantity of agricultural land, a build- lllo site, and a sopluate cottage with land on the °Pposite side of the highway. The property was offered for sale by auction a few week ago, but failed to sell. Mr. Ward and family leave on January 28th. ORUAN ItFCITAL.-Tiie third organ recital by Mr. J. Marsden Potter, Mus. iiae., was given in the parish church on Saturday evening. The recitals, as was to be expected, do not draw the masses of a country district, but there was a select audience who appeared to greatJy apprecinte the works so ably interpreted by Mr. Potter The latter was assisted by Mr. Arthur Pemberton, who gave an artistic rendering of the vocal portions. The pro- gramme was as follows Allegro in F Sharp Minor" (Guilmaut), Prelude and Fugue in C Minor" (Bach), song Nazareth" (Gounod), Sonato in C Minor (No. 2) (Mendelssohn), air "It must be ll so" (Jeptha) (Handel), "March Religeuse" (Chauvetj, "Prelude to the 3rd Act Lohengrin" (Wagner). THE OHIO MINSTRELS.—The Ohio Min- strels, who despite their name ha, I from this sido of the Herring Pond," most of .them in fact bo- ing Cestrians, gave a very sucoer.siul entertain- ment in the Neston Town 1-Iali on Saturday even- ing. The entertainment proved a very agreeable break in one of the most depressing Christmas seasons known to Neet-cnians, and tie large halt was filled. The very yared and attractive pro- gramme vis well rendered, the extravagant hum- our of the" sooty ones" keeping- the a udicllco in oontinual roars of laughter, while it was charac- terised by a refinement that oould' not affront tho most fastidious. Encores were very frequent, and the entertainment in consequence lasted nearly three hours. THE FOREMEN OF JURIES.—At a recent inquest held at Neston a remarkable incident took place wf,.cll has excited much local comment. A respectable tradesman was proposed as chairman, and the propo.sit.on was duiy seconded. As there was no opposition, he was about to take the chair when Poiicc-Sergeant Wharam inter- fered, and' stated that another tradesman, whom he named, was foreman, and that the jury no 10nger had the power to elect their foreman, tho privilege being now vested in the police-officer that called tho jury together. Doubts were frœiy expre-sed that such a retrogade reguiatcn had ever taken place, but the newly-elected forema.n was promptly deposed and the pol ceman's nomi- nee took his place. A little inquiry has of course shewn that the Sergeant was in error, and such an innovation has never even been contemplated, but that the ancient privileges of the coroner's jury remain just as they were.

CtflLDEii THORNTON INFANT SCHOOL.—The managers of this school, in their report for the year ending September last, give the following report from H.M. Inspector of Schools:—"The school is going on satisfactorily, both as regards discipline and instruction." The excellent merit grant of 17s. 1-60 12 ,i has agaiii I)e(,ii per child, amounting to ,£;30 12:> has again been earned, and has been apportioned— £ 22 19s. to the former managers for the nine months ending June 30th, and JK7 lis. to tho new authority for the succeeding tiiree months ending September 30th. The amount of fee grant earned is Iil8, which has been similarly apportioned, JF15 10s. to the former managers and £ 4 10s. to the new authority. Of the F,36 9s. thus due to the former managers, £9 10s. has already been received on account, and is credited to the present year; £1 13s. has been deducted by the Hoard of Education for con- tributions of certificated teaohers, under tho Ele- mentary School Teachers' Superannuation Act of 1838, leaving a nett balance of E25 6s. to be lidded to the £ 2 Os. 3d. outstanding to the credit of the managers, as shewn on the balance-sheet. No aid grant has been made to the school thif vear. The number of children on the register is 52, as against 53, with an average daily attendance of 36, as against 33 for 1902. Since the close cf the school year sovon of the senior scholars have been drafted, as usual to Snttcn Schools The managers rejoicg that the subscriptions have been maintained up to the usual standard during the past year and tender their best thanks to the numerous supporters of this charity during many years of its existence. The Education Act of 1932 having come into operation on July ) q last, the school was tpk-i over by the Cheshire bounty Council, who have sirce carried it on and have supplemented the foor foundation manag.-rs by Mrs. Thorbum. while Mr. J. E. Hughes has been appointed by th< Parish Council As ihe parish of Eastham have signified their desire Yr to be longer represented. Mr. H. C. Chamber,- retired a.ft" pin > y>-».rs of valuable ervices. f«> which the thanks of the managers fire due to him. Afr. R. Rend has generously given the four book prizes for resrnlar attendance and good conduct this year, and it is honed that the new authority will continue inl" practice. The balance sheet s hews the income to have been E93 and the expenditure, inehidinsr an overdrawn balance of f-, 7 17s. 10d. from thp previous veir, amounts to PPI 17s. 6d., thus leaving a credit balince of JM Os. 3d.

I ROSSETT. I CHRISTMAS TR RE -Throu-h the kindness of the Vicar (the Rev. Frank James) and Mrs. James, the Sunday eohoo! eclioiars were on Tuesday even- ing regaled with a. Christinas tre. which was creatlv cn ioved. SEASONABLE nI-Mr. J. Thorley Sykes has tirs week been (t"trib¡¡tin a quantity of coal among the deserving poor of the neighbourhood The. gifts must prove most acceptable at this in- clement. season. ANTI cnMPRNqATTON CRUSADE -On Tuesday afternoon a temperance conference took place at, Cimvralyn Chapel in o der to discuss the Question relat ns: to the promotion of temperance prnciples. Mr. W. Oilman, on behalf of the members of th=> chapel. "v£' the conference a hearty welcome to Oamvr-dyn ChapeK The Rev. IV. Jones of Chester, presided over a good at- tendance wh en included the Rev. D. G Jones 'Chester). Messrs. Corner Davies (Wrexham) W. n 1mm. Janice Edwards Thomas Parrv. S. Wil- liams. J. Liversage. A. Barker etc.—The Chair- man in openinc" the proceedings referred to thn resolution that dav pissed by the Chester Board of OuaHians calling the c:ty magistrates' atten- tion to tli- excessive number of onblic-houses. He al so a'luded to the great injury which many of the poHicRl dnœ were doint and which ouerht to be eh<*oked.-—Mr. Oh is Ba.ilev read an able paper deahng w;th the "Comrrnsit-on Struggle." argu- lr.r that the liquor trade had no leaii claim, &= had b'-0TI proved in the Inw courts and urging that insurance was th? only ridlt remedy for inscntrify of t?nu;'?. Wh?n ?. lic?'tcc was given to I f; irltv of ??,h,-Ti n g,*vcn to a tl?(-tt p!-ov(?,rtv w,,ts at oneo (rreat'y ?nha.nr?d 'n value; vd. th? ow,,er mad" no adequate return to the pnMic for the monopoly p v?n him. H? much pref0,'rM Sir Wi1frcd Law- son's scheme to compel brewers and others to give compensation to families who hsd been injured hy the sale of intoxicating liquor^. (Applause).—Mr T ) I spoke upon "How best to reach our coal," advocating n.h;bitio'1 :t. the best remedy against the nnpail'ng ev'ls of the drink traffic."—The Pev. D. f? Tonas deprecated what. he termed the "Publicans' Rebef Bill and quoted T/ord Rosebery who had observed "that unless the State contro'l^d the liquor traffio. it would eventually control the State."—Mr. James Edwa,-xl-«. Mr. Gomnr Davies Mr. F. Parry and Mr. Barker also tooV part, in the. proceedings.-—In +1", ev-ning -t public meeting wis held at, Lavister Chapel, presided o,-4,r by Mr Cromar when the ^oil-ow ng resohition, nronrwed by tlio Rev, D. G Jones seconded 1. Mr. D. Macmillan. supported bv Mr Oh.nrles Bail"-v wht unan:mouslv passed: "That inasmuch a= tt.,{' Prime Minister has de- clared. upon behaK of the Government, that it is the.it" ïntpDt-ion to ende-vour to pass in the n-xt, se-s'on of Parl'am^nt. 3. measure designed to de- prive the magistrates of th" full discretion which they now possess in the re-issuing of licences for the sale of intoxicating liquors, th;g meeting pro- fits against such retrograde legislation, and pledges itself to oppose it to the utmost of its powers —During the evening a recitation was given bv Mr. W'Uiam Roberts, and hymns were sung. Miss M. Meredith presided at the organ.

CONNAH S QUAY & SHOTTON. j TONTINE, OLUB.—On Friday evening the members oi the Wtpio Tontine Club held their seventh annual meotmg and "divide." The ,-I- poit, read by the sccictai y (Mr. W. EdAvards), shewed that tho club had had a fairly successful year. There were 121 members on the books, £ 37 16s. iiad been pa.d out in sick pay, C12 43. 3d. in funeral alio'.vauoee atid there was a balance of £123 4s. to bo divided. Votes of thks were ac- corded Messrs. Alfred Stewa.rdson, H. Hight. J. Stokes, T. B. Bennett and W. Edwards for their labours. RIVERTOWN P.S.A.—Owing to many going away, there was only a niod-rttte attendance at this meeting on Sunday afternoon. Mr. W. Hughes occup.ed the chair, and an interesting address was given by Mr. Joseph Davies, of Buck- ley, and founder of th.s church on "The birth of Christ." Miss C. Tweddell rendered "Oro Pro Nobis" with taste, and tho same remark applies to the solo by Mr. vV. Green, entitled "To the work Mr. Heibert Greon gave a touching in- terpietation of "The Women of Mumble s Head." MJSS E. Walkar a^conipan ed on the organ. RIVERTOWN CHURCH.—On Friday the members and friends, to tho number of about 300, held their annual Christmas tea and young people's "social." In tuo afternoon a tea was served, the W.Ilts of all being carefully looked after by Mesdamefe J. Davies Jones, H. Hughes, F. Collins. E. Millard, Segar, and tho Misses J. Williams, F. Smallman, M. Manifold, N. Hughes, Hazledene, Williams, eto. Afterwards an interesting lime- light lecturo, entitled "A Tour through North Wales,' was given by the Pastor, the lantern being manipulated by Mr. C. Walker. The vari- j ous 'ws we-w minutdy described and greati)? admired. Mr. J. T. Humphreys, of CoEnah's Quay, presided. The rest of the evening was spent in amusements of all kinds by the young peopio. MARINERS' SUPPER.—On Saturday even- ing the annual supper in connection with the Dee Shipmasters' Mutual Association took place at tho Coronation Drill llaii, when between 70 and 80 members and their wives took part in the old- time gathering. Oa.pta.in Conway presided, and in reviewing the work of the past year congratu- lated the society on having only one death, a fact which spoke volumes for the port. (Hear, hear.) Theirs was not a benefit society in the literal sense of the wod, but a society formulated for the purpose of helping their brothers in distress. The soeicty had never refused to help a legitimate claim, and he hoped that would always be the case. (Applause.) After the supper the evening was most agreeably epent in songs, duets, step- danciug, recitations, etc, the following contribu- ting to tlie programme;—Captains J. Hughes. R. Conway. J. Hewitt, junr., W. Hewitt, R. Hughes, T. Hughes, J. Coppack (Shotton), D. Marrow, Wm. Manow, W. Foster. Coppack, etc. CONCERT-ThB Methodist New Connexion S. hoolroom was packed on Thursday evening for a concert arranged by the young people connccted with this church. The etiair was taken by the president (Captain S. Y»ckers). The programme opened with a well-balanced chorus by the choir. entitled "The Comrades Song of Hope." Mr. A. M. Proctor (Chester Cathedral) was deservedly encored for his exquisite rendering of "N^a-reth'' and "In Happy Moments." The iocal favourite (Madame Georgina Hughes) was well received for her rendering of "Hosanna in Excelsls and Grey's "When I survey the wondrous Cross." The vloLn playing of Mr. W. H Kenehington, of the New Brighton Tower oon, srts, was of a very high or d er. The ren d 4-zing of N order. The rendering of "Worthy is the Lamb" by the combined cho.rs of Goiftyn Presbyterian, Northop HaJJ, and Conn all's Quay Now Connexion was a rich treat, and reHcched great credit on Mr. Peter Hughes (the conductor). Mr. J. T. Prince cieeoinpdniea with Jus usual ability. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS.—A reader writes concerning the necessity of a mid-day de- livery of letters. He sa.y: "Lc,tters arrive in the etters arrive in the Quay about twelve o'clock mid-day, and yet they are not delivered till between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, no matter how important the con.tents may be. In such a centre of industry as Shotton has become of late it is high time that the postal arrangements should be reorganised. The morning delivery is frequently thirty minutes' late, which :s occasioned through having to wait for the mails to be brought from Flint by tho cart There is a train which arrives from Flint at 5.30 p nl" and another from Chester about six p.m., EO why can't the letters come by train, and do away with the old jig jog of a mail cart? No doubt this old 'way of doing things suited the Quay a few years ago, but they must advance with the times. It is very annoying for business peopio to be defamed nearly an hour at home waiting to see if there are any letters." PRESENTATION. On Friday evening a pleasing little function took place at the Primitive Methodist Chapel. the occasion being the presenta- tion of a music cabinet to Mr. Arthur Walker, of Shotton, who has ably performed the duties of organist for the past two years, and who has had to relinquish that post to go to Chester College. —Mr. J. Henshaw (secretary of the church), in making the presentation on behalf of the members, friends, and the church, referred in high terms to the integrity and uprightness of the recipient, and said he was sure he was only echoing the sentiments of everyone when he wished Mr. Walker every good luck and prosperity in his new sphere of duty. (Applause). Although they all regretted Ins departure, they were extremely pleased with the musical abilities of his sister (Miss Emma Walker) in tilling the post vacated by her brother. (Applause). Mr. Walker fteelinglv thanked them for their kindness, and said he was sure be had done nothing to merit such a recognition.

ALLEGED BURGLARY AT BARROW -v THE RECTORY ENTERED. At Eddisbury Sessions on Monday, before Col. Lmool,es, in the chair, and other magistrates, Stephen Smith, alias James Grey, described as a clork of no fixed abode, a smart looking man, was charged in custody with burglariously entering Barrow Rectory between 12 (midnight) cn Nov. 23rd and 6 a.m. on tNov. 24th, and stealing two Silver candlesticks, one plated egg steamer, one plated biseu.t box, value £ 5 53., the property of the Rev. H. A. Arnold, rector of Barrow. The Rev. H. A. Arnold sa.d that at 6.30 a.m. on Nov. 24th, he was given information by his servant, who usually got up about six o'clock. He examined the dining-room window and found that it had been forced open. He massed the art-oios named in the charge, and they were all safe the previous evening. He informed the police. On Dec. 21st, P.C. Roberts shewed him the egg steamer and biscuit box (produced), and that morning he had shewn him two silver candle sticks. He identified them all as his property. Joseph Morris, 264, Great Howard-street, Liverpool, broker, said on Dec. 19th prisoner offered him the candlesticks (produced). Witness bought them for 7s. 6d. The following Monday afternoon he handed prisoner over to Detective- Sergeant Keily. Detective Sergeant Kelly, Liverpool, said he called on the la-it witness on December 21st. Morris was in the act of handing prisoner some silver. In reply to witness, Morr.s said1 the silver belonged to prisoner, who stated that he was a traveller for Lough and Co. Birmingham. Wit- ness then took prisoner to Dale-street, and told him that the candlesticks were the proceeds of a robbery in Cheahre.andthat there was other pro- perty missing. Pnscner said You will find the romainder of the property in a hay stack close to Stamford Bridge. He eventually handed prisoner over to the Chester City Police. r- P.C. Roberts, Barrow, said he visited Barrow Rectory at 7.10 a.m. on Nov. 24th. He found that the dining-ro-cm window had been broken open. On Dec. 21st, in consequence of further information, ho searched a hay-stack at Holme Bank, Tarvin, where he found the egg steamer and biscuit box. That morning (Dec. 28th) he re:e ved the two silver candlesticks from the Chester police, and Mr. Arnold had identified them. He received prisoner in oustedv and ",htOn he charged him with the burglary ho replied Quite correct." Prisoner, who reserved his defence, was com- mitted to the Chester Assizes for trial.

DRINK AND PAUPERISM. CHESTER GUARDIANS' VIEWS. At a meeting of the Chester Board of Guardians, on Tuesday, Mr. Rowe Morris presiding, tho following resolution was :ecnved from the Hits -M ice i ve d from the Ha.s lingden Union: at this- Board of Guardians desires to place on record the fact that the accom- modation of the hou-o is taxed to its utmost capacity by reason of the great increase in the number of children und." the care of the Board and regrets to find that, in the great majority of cases children get here in consequence of the in- temperance of one or both parents, and that in view of tliese facte the Board desire to urge upon the licensing magistrates throughout the union the desirability of carefuliy considering the necessi- ties of each neighbourhood and of exercising to the utmost their powers in the interest, not only of tlie ratepayers, but. of the poor children who are sent here in consequence of the innumerable temptations. It was a!so added that copies of the resolution wow Id be sent to the Prime Minister Home Secretary, boards of guardians, and others with the observation that in the opinion of the Board drastic legislation was desirable to diminish or put down drinking in clubs. The Rev. m. Jones moved the adoption of this resolution. He did not think they had had a more important resolution be for- them for a long time because it really touched the mainspring of pauper- ism. Every member of the Board was really in. terostod in this question. Last year a gentleman who was on his way home met a drunken man on the road. The man asked if he was going the way to the workhouse., and the gentleman replied, "Oh. yes, you aro oil the way to the workhouse; every drunken man is." As guardians. they could say that drink pivod the way to the workhouse, th? prison and the asylum. Every licence was a temp- tat on to drink. and wherever there was an increase of drunkenness there was also an increase of pauperism. He was sorry to see. in a Manchester paper .a statement as to the increase in pauperism in Y» rexhani. He thought he was correct, in say ing that ther? were more facilities for drinking in Wrexham than in any town in North Wales. If they increased the facilities for dl inking they increased the drunkenness and eventually pauper ism. They were asked in the resolution to urge the magistrates to reduce the number of licences. He believed the magistrates in most town3 were wilimg to do that. provided there was strong public. opinion at their back, and he thought the Board could do something that day to stiengthen the hands of tho Chester magistrates. At the last brewster sessions he ventured to appear before the magistrates to protest agamst the granting of c full licence in the city. He did not wish to do harm to anyone. A great manv publicans were very decent men—{hear, hear)—tut he felt, as a minister of the Gospel and as a citizen, that he was bound to do -i ll in his power to curtail the tre mendous cvtl arising from drink, and to remove the temptations from the people- Every new iicenco was a legalised tc-.inptat.on in the way of the weak. It also toucned the question of the unemployed which affected boards of guardians. He thought any student of polit cal economy could prove that if, say, £ 100,000,000 of the money now spent in drink were spent on othf-r branches of trade there would ba no unemployed in our midst. Allu- ding to tho question .of ilubs, Mr. Jones urged that drinking clubs were a source of much mis chief, especially to young men. Personally, he would be very giad if clubs were given the same restrictions as publice-houses and hotels Mr. R. Dobson seconded the resolution. Tho question appealed to all the interests which were dear to them. It touched their pockets, and that was a very important interest. It also affected tbe interests of the children and he was sure they were all interested in the moral and material welfare of the community. Nine cases out of ten of poverty and distress among children were brought about by drink. He liked the-, resolution bccause it ap pealed to the fountain-heed of power. The chair- man of the Chester licensing magistrates had said there were 220 licensed houses in the city, giving 171 of the population to each licence and ex- pressed the opinion that the licences were far too many. The Bench made a very heroic attempt to reduce the number of public-houses last yoir, and they were all sorry that it failed. He. believed that an expression from a public body like the guardians would strengthen tJB hands of tlie I magistrates. It was an economic question, and not one as to whether they were all total abstainers. It was a question that affected the moral and material well-being of the community. The pro- portion of licensed houses in Chester was per- haps higher than in any other borough in the county, and. strange to say. the Cheater Union was ptying for pauperism 2s. 3d, per head of the population—the highest rate of any union in tho county. It would be seen from the figures in poor-law statements that the excessive cost of pauperism in every case went side by side with the excessive number of public-houses. Mr. M. Kennedy thought the resolution re- ferred more particularly to the question of clubs. He believed that a man who was carrying on a publie-houfo was deserving of a cert?,in protection against the competition of the drinking clubs, be- cause the latter paid no licence and was practically unrestricted. A publican in a tied house had to pay 42s a barrel for his beer, whereas the club by going into the open market, could piobtbly buy the same commodity for 38s. Clubs ought to be subject to the same police and magisterial super- vision as ordinary licensed houses. Mr. W. Vernon, in supporting the resolution, said he had come to the conclusion that no persons suffered more than children from tho great- preva- lence of public-houses. The average cost of tho drink bill in this country was JB4 per head. In Chester alone this meant an expenditure of £ 160 000 a year in drink. With regard to clubs, nothing would delight him more than a. law pro- hibiting the serving of drink in any club. (Hear, hear.) Tho Chairman said he did not like it to be in- ferred that the guardians thought. the licensing justices had not tried to do their duty. Mr. E. T. Hallmark I don't think they have. The Chairman Well, we differ there Mr. Hallmark said that considering there was ona public-house to every 173 men. women and children in Chester, the justices had not done their duty. The Chairman: I would hardlv say that. Mr. Halhna.ik replied thai. ho was prepared to say it. Anybody who travers.ed the streets of Chester must know that the number of public- house thnein were not for the benefit of the com- munity, and were not required. Did Frodsham- street, for instance, require seven or eight public- houses to supply the necessities of the neighbour- hood. He had occasion once to appear in a police court in opposition to a licence. There weie eight public-houses in the yicinity. and in spite of the fact that that particular house was at the time soiling half-a barrel a week the justices granted it a full licence. In consequence tho owners spent H500 or £ 600 upon the house, and by granting the full licence the magistrates practically made them a present of £ 1.000. He was prepared to say that the Chester magistrates had not done their duty in the past, and that the licences in Chester ought to be reduced by at least one-half. Mr. H. Preston thought they ought to be fair to the magistrates and bear in mind the dimcuities which confronted them in endeavouring to reduce the number of licences. After further discussion the resolution of the ILuslingden Union was adopted in the form of two separate resolutions.

FISCAL CANVASSERS.—A niong the success- ful canvassers in connection with the Daily Mail fiscal poll were the following, who were included in the list of fifty .award s of £ 10 each :—Mr. W. L. A. Gray, Sunnyside, Trevor; Mr. B. L. Mouls- dale, Lake Farm, Gresford Mr. L. Bebbington, Pulford. The first award of £ 1,000 was gained by Mr. C. W. Hole, Stoke Newington. Mr. Hole is a member of the executive and member and former chairman of the central council of the National Union of Teachers' Benevolent and Orphan Fund. In the collection of his S)4,039 voting forms he states that he had the aasista-nce of teacher friends throughout the length and breadth of England, and he proposes to present the ,€1,000 to the Teachers' Benevolent and Orphanage Fund, which according to the last report has paid £ 21,468 in annuities and rendered assistance to 754 orphans, besides granting 105 annuities to masters, mistresses, and widows of masters. The second award of £ 500 went to Mr. J. Stanton, Dublir.

WHITCHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL. PRAISE AND PRIZES. Speech day" was held last week at the Whit- church Grammar School, and there was larg-e gathering of parents and friends in the Town Hail Assembly Room on tho ocoasion. The Ciiairman of [he Governors (Mr. R. P. Ethebton) prided, and was supported on the platform by Co?cne? I Kenyon-Slaney, M,P.. Mr. W. H. Smith, Dr. C. H. Gwyim, Major P. D. Godsal, Mr. R. Pearson, Mr. J. M. Etches, the Rev. C. R. Peiiibridge, Mrs. R. P. Ethelston, Mrs. Godsal, Ms Gwynn, Mr. and Nlrs. Crofts, and the assistant masters. The Headmaster (Mr. Crofts) prefaced his re- port with an expression of thanks to t..e people of Whitchurch for the k.nd way in which tney had received his wife and himseit smoe they came among mem a year ago. Gounng to trie work 01 t;ie Sfiiool, Mr. Crofts stated ai his report that ihey couid not record the warning ot a Univer- sity scholarship, but hat was an event wn-ch cou.d only be occasionally possible the-re. "\Ve, nowever,' continued the report, "sent one boy- Leek—to try his luck at Downing CoUege, atia although he did not get a scholarship the tutor' repoited that his work was very grX-d, though not up to scholarship standard. Four boys sat for tne County Council scholarship, and though we did not secure a soholarsh.p, three boys obtained qualifying marks—Leek for the £ 50 scnciarahip,, and Wyatt and WLailey for the £ 20. leek, wlio lie-d a £ 20 scholarship, had it extended for another year. In ano.her direction we had made a start with the London University Matncuia- tion, an ex a mi n at on for which 1 hope 1 may generally have candidates, because it is respected for i.s Lufiieuity and because I tmnk it is a good test cf a soiuid secondary education. Its dilii culty lies in the fact that a boy must pass in every subject at the same time, and not take it by in stalmeiits- In yet another direction i hope to be able to send in candidates for the Oxford Locals. The chiet d-fficu ty here is ge.fcing a stiiffc-ei-it number of cand.dates who are willing to pay the iees to make the town a centre. I hope that by eo-cperaiiou between ourselves and Lhe girls' schools, we may be able to make up tne required number. The next point upon which I wish to wakø a remark is the school currioulum. It is very important that you should understand what our position is. We are a secondary day school, Division A, under the Board of Education, and we are bound, just as in the elementary .schools, to adhere to a prescribed syllabus." After stating that ne should endeaveour to keep a well-balanced curriculum, and see that English and modern languages received their due share of attention, Mr. Crofts turned to games. In cricket they won cwo or three matches, drew three or four others, and suffered defeat in the rest. He acknowledged the kindness extended to .hem by Major Godsal, Sir Wyndham Hanmer, and Mr. Jacob in gett ng up matches. He appealed to Old Boys to, sup- port the- school magazine, and went on to record ,hat the equipment of the school has been added to considerably during the year; particularly in regard to chemical and physical apparatus for the laboratory. Two or three pounds' worth of bocks have be-on. added to the l.brary, and here I may mention that if anyone should feel disposed to give us a helping hand a present of some good standard literature will always be most accept- able. During this last term Dr. Gwynn has given a course of lectures in the school on first-aid. Dr. Gwynn takes a delight in calling himself a mem- ber of the school staff, and I am sure we take an equal delight in welcoming him amongst us. The boys I am sure have been very keen on the work, and as a result of Dr. Gwynn's lectures i-onio eight of them will receive the St. John Ambulance Association certificate." In conclud- ing his report, Mr. Crofts appealed to parents as follows:—" I would remind you that the, educa- tion you received as boys is not good enough for your children. Tho vast increase in our actual knowledge* of things, the many inventions and their application to manufactures, call for more improved methods of education. Ever}'whore the cry to day is for greater efficiency, the proper co- ordination of education, and improved methods of teliehiiig, shall educate and not merely eram. 1 would ask you, too, to look at education from a higher s.andpoint tiian that of mere ac- tual usefulness. I mean from the. point of die- veloping the mind and strengthening the char- acter. Once lead a boy to the power of apprecia- tion of some of cur best literature, once let him fed his feet in some branch of science, and gain the conviction that he has latent w.thin him the. power to grapple wih and understand the work- ing of some of the laws of nature, and you have probably done for him the best thing you can do for a boy in this world." Colonel Kenyon-Slaney, who had a warm wel- come, then distributed the prizes, and afterwards delivered an address. He said he came to shew that he t-cok a hearty, genuine interest in this school, which was an old school in Shropshire and which on that account alone would olaim his sym- pathies. It was a school of which ihey might be proud. It was founded, he believed, in tho time of Queen Mary, before England had yet become fcr all future time, a Protestant country. It was a. rchool with a history and with noble traditions a r.,d couid not by any means be compared with so many of the other sch-c-ols of mushroom growth which had sprung up in all directions. He hoped that the boys in this their time would do the utmost in their power to uphold the reputa- tion, the traditions, and the honour of their sch-ocl, and to see that so far as they were con- cerned the school should be indeed and in truth what its founder intended that it should be. He hoped that; the promoters would keep abreast oi Lho times, and that when the boys of to-day grew older Ithey would try and make the school still more celebrated from the fact that the tll em- selves were educated in it. (Applause.) He had read, with much interest, the records of the school and its work, and it was a great pleasure to him to know that the Governors had shewn their good sense by trying to adapt the school to the immediate necessities of the town and dis- trict in which it was placed. It was a school placed on the borders of three counties, and had not received the same support that it might have done. The Shropshire County Council had not dene as much as one thought it ought to have I done for this school, but he hoped tha. in the near future it would bestow upon the Whitchurch (\hod a more liberal treatment, The County Councils of Cheshire and Flin?shire ako would be prevailed tip-,n he trusted, to recognise the fact that many of the boys in those counties were I receiving their education a. this school, and that they would then be persuaded to give that as-- sistance which the school deserved!. (Applause.) He was surprised to find that the fees were so kw, and he had no hestitation whatever in saying that he had never seen a better return for so little money in the public institutions of this character. While on the subject of fees and grants, it was worthy of remark that in addition to the County Council grants the school received considerable assistance from the Board of Educa- tion on the result of the examination held for that purpose; and he was pleated beyond measure to fi- d that the last grant amounted to JE129, which was £10 higher than hr,d e\er been before. He congratulated the Headmaster very heartily on this splendid result; and he also oongra tulated the boys themselves, for it reflected credit upon those who had to teach, and on those who were taught as weii. (Applause.) He was glad to notice that the Headmaster, in his most admir- able report, had given due prominence to that part of the boys' training which had to do with the playing fields. Physical development was a very important part of the school work. and he confessed he should have. been disappointed if the Headmaster had failed to attach importance to it. (Hear, hear.) It was in the playing fields that the boys learned many useful lessons; they learned how to act like sportsmen, and they learned how to keep their temper and :'11, after life they would find those lessons more useful to them than they at present imagined. (Applause.) The gallant Colonel afterwards addre-sed him- self particularly to the boys in a racy, interesting way. He gave them encouragement and some sound advice. On the motion cf Mr. W. H. Smith, seconded by Dr. C. H. Gwynn, cordial thanks were g yen to the Colonel. A musical programme was con- tributed. The prize list was as follows: -Form I. Form prize. F. Whittiiigham Latin (presented by Mr. R. P. E helston, R. T. ha ley French (presented by Headmaster). R. T. Whallev; mathematics (presented by O:d Boys). F. Whittiiigham; English literature (presented by Mrs. Crofts), E. N. Davies; scripture (presented by the Rector). B. V. Cor. tes; science (presented by the Misses Kent): F. Whitlingham; his.crv, L. E. Roere-rs. iorms III. and IV. Form prizes, G. 0. A. Young ancJ S. E. Piekard; French (presented by the Headmester), J. II. Roberts; Latin (presented by Mr. R. P. Ethebton), G. C. A. Young; mathe- matics (presented by Old Boys), G. C. A, Young; English literature (presented by Mr. Baekit), F. W. A dLM, sc ience (presented bv Mr. Sprank- ling), S. E. P ckard. Form Upper TI. Form prize, C. F. Carter; French (presented bv the Headmaster), G. Davies; Latin, W. S. Furber; English literature, W. S. Furber; mathematics (presented by Old Boys). C. F. Carte-; German. G. Davies; science, C. F. Carter. Form Lowrer II.: Form prize, R. S. Done; arithmetic (pre- spntpd by Old Boys), R. S. Done; French (pre- sentect by Mrs. Crofts). H. Pappin. Form J. Form prize. G. F. F ttcn; arithmetic, G. F. Fition English, S. Brown. Special prizes: Dr. Gwynn's prize for ambulance work, F. IT. LClh- ham; drawing prize open to Forms V., IV III. and Up. II.. R. T. Whalley drawing pr:z<^ onen to Lower II. and I. (presented by Mr Yates). II. H. Wardle: medals for school run F W. Adams and F. Pearce (e*un]); gcoeraohv (cpen to whol e school), R. V. Nield: cHpJ!cÏ- master s prizes for hohdav read'n" N. P. Bn" ges? and S. E. Piekard; St. Jol,n Ambulance Ai"- ?c'3toncprt?ca?sfoi-fi-stnId." R. V. NieM H. S. Ni?'d. C. V. Ansfin, F, H. L?am H Wild, F. PCllce. F. J. W. Wvatt, S. Piekard.

FORMER FLINTSHIRE SURVEYOR'S DEATH. The death took plnce on Sundav at his residence, Brincoed. Mnlrl. at the ad vanceO age of 76. of Mr David William^, formerly county sur- veyor of Flintshire, a position he oeonpied for 26 years. The deceased pentlemnn was horn at Vardie, Abergele. He was for, son.e years an under accent on Kinmel estate, and was afterwarrls appointed rond .urve vor(.)ftboAT)ergel,-(Iiptriet. FTesilecee(ied his father as tenant of the Vardie Farm. Aberg"ele and subsequently served as estate agent to Air Charles Edwards, M P.. Dolserau. Dolgellv. On the resignation of Mr. I.T. T. Fiireloutrh, he was appointed county surveyor for Flintshire, and he in turn, was succeeded hv Mr. Samuel Evans. the present holder of the office The deceased, who was a widower, had a family of eleven children, five of whom survive him. TRUMAN'S BOTTLED BEER (Eagle Brand) is sold at 2 6 per dozen pints, in screw stoppered i bottles, by H. JIARTI & Co., Foregate-street.

ATTACK ON GAMEKEEPERS. ♦ SERIOUS AFFRAY AT WEAVERHAM. NORTHWICH MEN FINED. At Eddisbury Petty Sessions on Monday, before Colonel Lascelles and other magistrates, James Platt and his son, Frederick Platt, respcct- ably-dressed labourers, belonging to Wallace- :itrect, Northwich, were summoned for trespassing in tne daytime on land at Weaverham belonging to the Cheshire Lines Committee, in search of game, on December 20th. They were also summoned for assaulting James Hindley and Samuel Hindiey, gamekeepers to Mr. J. B. Littiedaie, at tHe same time. Mr. A. Fletcher, Northwich, who .conducted the prosecution, said that at 8..ill a.m. on Sunday, Uecembe, 20th, the two keepers found defendants on the railway embankment, where they were engaged in ferreting. and had actually taken rabbits. John Platt, on being asked his name, said it was Charles Bell, of Noriey, and that Frederick Platt's name was Frederick Bell, of iiie same village. The gamekeepers had Pii intimate acquaintance with Noriey people, and, suspecting that the names were fictitious, they insisted on detaining the nun. Defendants resisted the de- tcntion, and eventually committed .a very violent assault on both the keepers. James Hindley said he wa.i gamekeeper to Mr. Littiedaie, and on the day in question he was on duty on his employer's estate near the .place where the North-Wtstern and Cheshire Lines raiIwRw. crossed each other. He saw dle elder defendant in the act of taking a ferret out of a hole and the yoonger one holding a rabbit in his hand. tie spoke to the eldcr defendant, who said he was only having a bit of fun, adding that he came from .Noriey, and that Charles Bell was his name. He said his companion was named Frederick Bell. Witness tried to detain the men. John Piatt butted him on the head, and, overpowering him, struck his finger with a clog. Samuel Hindley. his father, came up, and Frederick Platt attacked him also as he was assisting witness, calling out Loose him loose him, or I'll knife .vou 1" The yolinger defenda-nt struck wl father on the head three times with a stick. Witness followed defendants to Northwich, and, in company with ait d in company w, t -? P.C. Meredith, of Sandiway, lie found the vouns-er defen.Ga.nt, who admitted having committed tie offence. He learnt that. the cider defendant worked at the Noriey Sanatorium as a labourer. He afterwards saw the elder man, and he also admitted the trespass and assault. Samuel Hindley, gmekceper, who had a dress- ing on his falee, said that while he was taking out his book to make a note of the names defendants had given him they started off, and he called to his son to close with them. He himself wrestled with Frederick Piatt until he was breathless, when his antagonist got away. By tliat time John Platt had got his (witness ) son against the fence, and, treading on one of his hands, he butted him into the quick net hedge as hard as he could. Witness pulled Piatt away and called to his son to seize him again. The younger defendant then jumped over the fence, shouting Loose him I will knife you Loose him I will knife you both." Witness again cJosed with him, and together they went down the embankment. Frederick Platt wrenched his stick out of his (witness') hand, and struck him three times on the face with it. Defendants eventually got away. Superintendent Simpson, of the Cheshire Lines police, said he knew the place in question. Nobody save Mr. Littiedaie had the right to take the rabbits. They were killed by his gamekeeepers. assisted by the platelayers, to prevent their damaging the embankment, P.C. Meredith said that on Deecemfoer 20th he accompanied James Hindley to Northwich. He saw Frederick Piatt, and took. him to the police station. Defendant said the keepers attacked him and his father first. With regard to his threat to knife" them, he admitted uttering it in the heat of his temper. James Piatt stated that when the two keepers approached him and his companion they did not know who they were. The young keeper caught him by the throat and knocked him on to the em- bankment, while the other keeper struck him on the head. Both of them kneit on his stomach, 11 I I  e and he thought he was dying. His son, 14-redii. Piatt, having come to his rescue, he succeeded in getting James Hindley against the fence, and told him he did not wish to assault him. Samuel Hindley came up behind him and struck him three times on the head with half a brick, causing him to bleed profusely, so that he nearly fainted on his way home. Frederick Platt said thai, both the gamekeepers a^.acked his father. He went to them and took the old keeper's stick, and rescued hi" father. He then walked away. After a private consultation of about 25 minutes' duration, the Chairman announced that the Bench were satisfied that both cases had been proved. For the trespass they fined defendants 10s. and costs each. They considered that the assault was a very bad one, and was very different from the ordinary poaching case. It was an aggravated assault, and in the opinion of the Bench de- fendants ought to have gone to prison without the option of a fine, and only the consideration that the proseecutor had expressed a wish that they should not be sent to prison prevented the magis- trates from sending them there. The fine, how- ever, must be a heavy one. Each defeiidant would have to pay JE5, or go to gaol for one month. Defendants were allowed a fortnight to pay. T^he total amount of the fine vois £5 1-8s. 6d. each (including costs).

ANTHRAX AT S Ki A CII. 1 I FAILURE TO NOTIFY. I FARMER FINED I The Broxton magistrates, of whom Mr. J. Howard was the chairman, bad before thew on Tuesday, a summons against George Brassey, farmer, hock- lacl], for failing to report to the police the exist- ence of anthrax on his premises. Defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by Air. E. Brassey, Chester. Police-Sergt. Howard said that at 12.50 on .Monday, December 7ui, he visited the premises oi .11r. tJrassey, and lound hanging 111 a smppon a careae-s of a bail, partly dressed for sale, v.ith hide and head taken off. A mail was Cleaning 11 at the time. Witness examined it and found that tiie liesh was very darn., and there were streaks of blood on tne rat. He could see it was not properly bied. Mr. Brassey was not at home. YY ltness asked for the spleen, and alter a search it was lound in a hole m tiie garden. it was rotten, and he was suspicious that it was diseased with anthrax, lie called in Air. Barnes, veter- inary inspector, and he certified that the annual was suffering from anthrax. Witness saw Mr. Brassey the next day, and told him that the animal had been attacked by aiilirux. Lie said he was sorry, and tnat tie intended to get some- one to look at it before sending it away. The animai was subsequently cremated. Mr. E. Brassey: ou did not know it was anthrax W itness N o, sir. It was first found to be anthrax when Air. Barnes examined it. Air. Brassey: 1 do not understand where the county is damaged You take possession of the carcass and your idea is that the latnier must make a formal report in addition to that. Tne Chairman: What are tne bye-laws?—Supt. Hicks: Section 1 says tnat the owner is bound to report anthrax, and section 17 directs tnat he will be presumed to know that the carcass is diseased. it docs not relieve him from responsibility. Witness: 1 may say that Mr. Brassey has ren- dered me all assistance. Henry Barnes, veterinary inspector, said he was called in to Mr. Brassey s farm on December 7th to inspect a carcass of beef. He saw that it was hung up partly diesscd for market. The flesh was very highly coloured. The animal had been 'i' l ic aii i-ra l had be(,ii a bull, and the flesh of bulls was as a rule very highly coloured. There were a few streaks ol blood on the fat. The beef was well set and in good form for the market. lie went down to the garden to inspect the viscera, which lie noticed were inflamed. He was not then satisfied that the case was one of anthrax. The same evening he examined a portion of the flesh under the microscope. lie then found anthrax bacilli. The Chairman Did you inquire what had been the condition of the animal for any time previously ? —Witness They told me it had been fed for the Cbiistmi-s market. _'h The Chairman How long had it been killed ?— Witness: I could not say. It was cremated the following day. Mr. T. M. L. Vernon (a magistrate): Was the beast in good condition ?—Witness Very good con- dition. except for the anthrax. Mr. Brassey What is the poor farmer to do ? Is he to buy a microscope before he can tell whether the beast has got anthrax ?—Witness I could not say that. Mr. Brassey Does it not seem to be rather hard that the farmer should be supposed to know a case of anthrax, when even you did not know it was anthrax without the aid of the microscope ?-\Vit ness Yes, I could not have certified it to be anthrax by simply looking at it, without the microscope. Mr. Brassey Is this the first case in the district? —Witness The first for about two or three years.- Mr. Barnes added that the animal was worth about i;20 Mr. Evan Langley: What guide would the farmer have?—Witness: I could not say there would be any guide at all. Mr. Langley There is no guide whether it would be anthrax or not?—Witness: Not if it was the first case. The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. Hy. Taylor) Is the disease highly contagious?—Witness Yes. Air. J^angiey lJId you require a very powerful microscope ?- \Vitness Yes, very powerful. Con- tinuing, Mr. Barnes said he was told that the beast had been turned out to water at the middle of the day, ami was quite well. It died within a few hours after being taken back.. Suot. Hicks said the police should be notified of all cases of sudden death of animals. Addressing the Bench for the defence, Mr. Brassey said he thought it rather an unwarrantable supposition that the owners were bound to report every case of sudden death to the police. He would like the Bench to consider the great loss and trouble the case had caused defendant. In the first place he had lost a buii value £ 20. Secondly, he had lost a cow value £ 17 or E18. He farmed 150 acres, and his premises had been closed for three weeks, and thereby lie had lost JMO through not being able to sell his milk. Alto- gether he had lost £ 50 in that way before the case had come before the court. It was a good thing that suc h a case should be brought forward, because it shewed the amount of loss which a farmer incurred and the necessity for some regulation under which a farmer could be compensated for losses of that character. It was a hard thing for a man to be tined for what lie knew nothing about. Understood that the leaflet of the Board of Agriculture gave a quantity of detail in reference to tbe wy in which anthrax ,.oould be discovered. None of the symptoms mentioned were shewn by defendant's bull. About four o'clock on Sunday afternoon a man -came in and said a bull was bad. Defendant thought that as the bull was being fattened for a sale in January it had been attacked, by heart iblane. He sent for a butcher and talked the mat- ter over with him. It was decided to kill the •beest that night The entrails and other things weie preserved so that they might bo examined in order to see if the animai was fit fer food. The nrxt day. as tho butcher was on his way to the farm, he heard that the pelice> had been there and taken possession, EO that he thought it was unneces- sary to go there. There was no intention to sell the animal until it had been properly inspected. Defendant, then gave, evidence coafirmng 11r. E. iirassey s statement. In .reply to his solicitor he said he had never seen a. case of antmax. The .urst notification he had that it b?d been att&eked by anthrax was from the j»oboe sergeant. He had had another caso a week afterwards. Supt. Hicks Two pigs had died, and when they j »ere examined signs of anthrax were found on them. Thomas Lewis, butchej", .Shocklach, corroborated as to examining tlit- bewt, He thought the aaiimal was attacked by heart blajie. The Chairman said tho police had done their duty. They could not have done less. At the same time tho Bench sympathised with Mr. Bras- sey, because it was no doubt a very great loss. In the face of the Act it was impossible for the Bench to do otherwise than inflict a penalty. The Act said the farmer should be presumed to know the disease, unless he proved his ignorance De- fendant would have to pay 20s. and costs. It must be known that. the moment an animal was taken ill it was the best course, and the proper course, and the only legal course, to report the ctse to the police or a veterinary surgeon. Supvt. Hicks: It is far better for ail stock- owners that such cases should be notified. The Act was passed in the interests of farmers.

BOARDS OF UUAltDlANS. WIRRAL. I Mr. C. Morris presided (ivpr the fortnightly I meeting of tins Board, held ?t Clatterbridge Workhouse en Wednesday. The attendance in- ,y ?l cluded Coienel J. C. Lloyd, Mesdames Hodg?on and Hannay, Messrs. H. Lea, W. Knowles, J. ±v. Thompson, J. R. Turton, J. McLeavy, Thomas lJavies, H. Price, W. Bui-key, C. E. Hope, W. U. Sutton, J. H. \\arbrick, H. -Larl, J. Deianiore, W. W. Christian;, »\. AicAeiil, ooim Evans, and tiie Hev. P. C. itobin, witn the cierk ¡itir. J. E. b. (Jlhve), the assistant cierk iAlr. D. liuiitingj,. the relieving oiheer \Mr. J. iiignettj, tne WOI-K- house master k.Nir. W. L. Richards), and tue Locai Government Board inspector \\lr. Uansey). n It appeared tram the minutes of the lVoriiiiouse Committee that the number in the iiou.se was Lub, as compared with 116 at the same time last year, and included 26 HUJle-s and 25 iemaies in the in- firmary. During tho past fortnight 64 vagrant;, had been relieved, as against Do in the correspond- ing two weeks in 1902. A resolution had been passed by the Workhouse Committee thanking the various donors of jplts in connection with the Christmas festivities, in- cluding the Brabazon Committee, Miss Richards, of Lpton, Mr. C. Morris and friends, by whom an entertainment had been provided for the inmates. The Workhouse Committee reported the receipt of a letter from Dr. Fuller, the chief medicai officer under the Local Government Board, '11 reply to an inquiry addressed to him with respect to his remarks as to the inadequate equipment oi the viorkhouse. \1r. Dansey (the Local Govern- mcnt Board inspector) had borne out the doctor's observations at the Workhouse Committee meet- ing, and had said he would defy any medicai officer to report that the present night nursing arrangements were efficient. He cogently pointed out the necessity of appointing a competent night nurse. Dr. Fuller's communication was referred to the General Purposes Committee for their immediate consideration. The medical officer of the work- house will also be asked to attend and confer wich them on the subject- Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £845 lis. 4d., which included £ 608 17s. öd. due to the treasurer of the County Uouncil, and £ 115 for outdoor relief. The balance in the treasurer's hands was reported to be £ 1,551 2s. lid. WHiTCii UlvCH. Last week the fornightly meeting was held Mr. R. P. Ethelston (chairman) presiding.—Gilts were acknowledged from the following :—Mrs. Hobson, oranges; Mr. Churton, oranges; Miss Vernon, doll's house and rocking-horse for the nursery. The thanks of the Board v.ere accorded these donors for their kindness.—The Chairman apoued for permission, on behalf of the ladies, to give the usual Christmas treat. On the motion of Air. Langley, seconded by Mr. Vernon, this offer was accepted with the thanks of the Board.—The contracts accepted for the ensuing quarter were as follows:—Groceries, Air. Hopwood; meat, Mr. Wilkinson, beef bd., mutton 7d., suet 3d.; flour, Mr. Walker, 2Cs. the sack of 2401b.; oatmeal, Mr. Walker, 24s. 3d.; ooal, no acceptance; hauling, Mr. Nevitt.—In reference to the coal contracts, of which there were three, Mr. W. H. Smith said that inasmuch as the system of choosing between these coal Contracts was not altogether satisfactory, he thought some inquiry should be made as to the quality of the coal, and, if possible, some specific information should be gained. He thought the tenderers should have a clar understanding as to the quality of the coal they were tendering to supply. At present there AOag no means of telling what the quality of the coal was, and, although lie knew nothing about these particular tenders, it was possible that the highest priced coal would be the most economical.—A discussion ensued, and it was eventually decided to postpone the acceptance j of a tender for a fortnight, to make the suggested inquiries.—Mr. Pearson, on behalf of the House Committee, stated that. in rcnlv to an advertise- ment, there were ten applications for the post of industrial trainer. These had been considered, and some selections had been made.—Two of the applicants appeared before the Board, the first being Miss Bessie Downes, who had filled a similar position (temporarily) in the Birkenhead Union, and the second Miss Alice Davies, at present a mother's help employed at Wycherley Hall, Bas. church.—Major Godsal proposed and the Rv. R. B. Faulkner seconded that Miss Downes be ap- pointed. This was carried, and it was decided that she should take up her duties in a fortnight.— The children in the house were brought before the Board, and much satisfaction was expressed with their appearance. There were 22 children, 15 girls and 7 boys, and their ages ranged from 3 to 14.- The Clerk read a letter from Mr. J. H. Warburton Lee complaining about the action of the Board in including a 2d. education item in the poor rate for Iscoyd for the first half of the past year. He thought that the step the Board had taken was likely to have unfortunate results. As a Flintshire county councillor and a resident at Iscoyd, he asked tiie clerk to let him know the amount collected for education purposes from Iscoyd in connection with the Act, and also how it had been disposed of. it was a matter of congratulation for the Ellesmere Board that they did not take such a line of action as Whitchurch had done. The Clerk pointed out tnat Major Godsal had had an explanation of the action taken by the Board some time ago, and he had expressed satis- faction with it. lie (the clerk) had had previous correspondence with Mr. Lee on the subject, and had endeavoured to explain very fully to him all the circumstances. It now appeared that he was not satisfied with the explanation given. As a matter of fact, it was thought necessary to include the educational 2d. in the Iscoyd call in case the County Council needed it, and if not, it was under- stood that the 2d. would go to the relief of Iscoyd rates, and no other parish would receive any por- tion of it. It transpired that the county did not make the demand for educational purposes, and consequently, in the second half year, the call on Iscoyd was about 2d less than it would otherwise have been, so that in the course of the year Iscoyd stood in exactly the same position as if the call had not been made in the first instance; but it was necessary to do this, otherwise the money would not be forthcoming if the r-o-jnty demanded it.- Mr. Langley further explained the circumstances of the case, and said it was no doubt well known to aJl the Board. He wa3 '?orr, and rather sur- pris ;d, that Mr. Lee had tliouil iI t it necessary to write this letter to the clerk. Mr. Godsal and the assistant overseer had been able to understand the position, and the clerk had tried to make it plain to Mr. Loe. lie did not know that the clerk was compelled to carry on a discussion of this kind with individual ratepayers, or even county coun- cillors, and, personally, he rather resented it. He thought it would be best for the clerk to write to Mr. Lee and tell him that he had laid the letter, together with the unofficial letter previously written, before the Board.—This was agreed to, and Mr. Godsal said he should probably see :11'. Lee that afternoon, when he should mention i he mtttei* to him. Mr. W. H. Smith, on behalf of the House Com- mittee, reported that that committee had met Mr. LDsnse? pnd considered the proposed alterations and improvements, with the result that the scheme lately entertained had been knocked on the head, and it was thought desirable to adhere to the original idea of balconies outside the house, "it,!) steps leading down to the ground from outside. The matter had better, perhaps, be referred back to the committee.—This course was decided upon.

A SERGEANTS STORY. Everyone is familiar with the rigid medical examination which volunteers are called upon to pass by the military authorities before entering active service. Sergeant Kelly, 39, Stewart-street, Heaton Norris, Stockport, silys When I was called up to join my regiment (4th Batt. Cheshire ReLt.), I was rejected on account of Kidney Trouble. I immediately looked about for a reliable Kidney remedy and selected Dodd'.s Kidney Pills, which completely cured me. I again volunteered for service and passed the doctor all right and went out to South Africa, where I was at Bethube Bridge for two years. I returned home well and never since my cure have I had the slightest trace of my old trouble. Dodd's Kidney Pills are the right medicine for Kidney Trouble." Sergeant Kellv's experience should guide every- one who is suffering with Kidney Trouble in any form. to the use of Dodd's Kidney Pills, a remedy which seems to have no equal for cases of this kind. Almost every day reports are beinsr published of the most serious cases cured by Dodd's Kidney Pills

TRUMAN'S LONDON STOUT, in sorew stop- pered bottles, price 2,0 per dozen pints, can be obtained from H. MARTIN & Co., Foregate-street.

BKOXTON PET 1 Y SESSIONS. TU.ESDAY. Belote Air. John Howard, in the chair, Lovd Arthur Grosvenor, Air., G. Barbour, Air. T. L. M. v ernou, Mr. K. O. -Orion, and Ilr- Evaji Langley. WANDERING Afc>ijES-—Alary Elizabeth Lowe, of Agden, was fined 5s. and costs (8s.) for allowing two do-ukeys to stray on December 10th on the highway. THEFT OF RABBiTS.-An Irish labourer named James Riiey was charged with stealing iniae w.ld rabbits, value 7s. 6d., the property oi Waiter Shore, farmer, 'lull iarii, Famdon.— Complainant said he hung ntne ra.bbits in a saied on December 20th. They were there at 2.30 p.m., and he missed them at o p.m. Tne rabbits were worth lOd. ea<;h. Pr.scner had been in his em- ployment eineo December 3rd, and gave notice to leavo on December 26zh. On December 20th pr.saner asked for 3s. due to him. Witness to, d him, he oouid have it when his week's notice was ap.-P.S. Johaiscn, Eccieston, said he traced piisoner to Wrexham. Prisoner told him that he took eight rabbits t,o pay himself in I.eu of his wages which complainant had refused to pay.- Prisoner now stat-ed that he s-cid the eight rabbity ror 6s. He would nor have taken them if Mr. Shore had kept to his buigain lie had agreed on with him (prisoner).—As prisoner had been, in gaidl s'noe Tuesday, .the Magistrates considered thai ho had been punished enough. They dis missed the ease, the Chairman remarking- that Ma-. Shore ought to have paid prisoner's wage. EARLY MORN ING QUA RIIFL.-J:ine Vickers summoned her husband. Thomas Vickers, for assault on December 14tij. Complainant said that at 4 a m. <m the day in question, defendant, who bad just got Kp, came .to her, and tabng- her by the throat, threatened to ,da."h her brain, out. He used bad language to her.—Mr. T. Aloore button, who defended, said the quariel really aro~e about an arm- ehair. It was a paltry affair.-The case was dssmisssed.

FKODSHAM PETTY SESSIONS, j WEDNESDAY.—Before Mr. A. Them.-is, Air. T. Woodward, and Mr. H. P. Mortmer. A LAME MARE.—Edwin Alderman, Kings- ley, and hie son, Saiiiue4 Chanels Alderman, Frodsham, were summoned for ill-ti-o-ttiig a maro at Frodsham on Novem ber 27th, by work- mg it in an imtit state.—inspector Gibson, of the R.S.P.C.A., Warrington, said e saw a man d'riv- mg a. piedoald mare .n Main-street, Frodsham. She was very lame in the off foreleg. It had a badly strained tendon. When the horse had been standing a few minutes, it could scarcely mova. He afterwards saw both defendants, and they admitted that the ma.re was larne.-P.S. Bratt oormbora"D,-fen.daut-s- called evidence to shew that the horse was only slightly lame, and that it had been worked mcstJy on the land.— Edwin Alderman was fined 20s. and costs, and Samuel Alderman had to pay the costs CYCLISTS ON F 0 OTP A T H S.—Th c m Rogers, Henry Limbert, and Herbert W. Ycud were eaoh fired 5s. for r dinsr a blevclp on tbo footpath a't Helsby on December 19th BRUTAL STEP-FATHER.—Joseph Faulkner, residing at the Weaver Tavern, Frods'ham was summoned for assaulting his etep-da-ughter, Ahoe Edge. Mr. H. N. Lmaker appeared for the prosecut.on.—Oompla.nant said that en Moncav evening as she was passing from the bar to the k: toe en, defendant struck her in the face. He received no provocation.—Defendant, who did not appetr, was fined 10s. and 10s. 6d. costs.—Joseph Faulkner was also summoned for persistent cruelty to his wife, in consequence of which a separation order was applied for.—Mr. H. N. Linakor, who wa-s for the prosecution, said the parties were married en Mnv 23rd. 1893 A v.- r later he began to ill-ireat ber 'nd he- had Von tnued this conduct until the present time. He had struck her and threatened her repeatedly. Complainant said she WiiS licensee of the Weaver Ta\ern. Naming several acts of cruelty, s he said he struck her on one occasion in tho face bruising it and blacking her eyes. About 12 months ago. defendant turned her ard her daughter into the street kite at night, and struck her severely on the nead. On Monday, defendant threatened to kill her, and she had had to leave the house..—Robert Looth. i-rodshtrii Lordship, deposed to prevent- ing defendant from striking his wife one day in Juii,Wiilia.m Owen corroborated complainant as to the occasion when defendant turned her out of ti.e house.—A separation order for 7s 6d a week was granted and defendart was ordered to pay £ 1 12s. 6d costs.

EDDISBURY PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before Cokne! La?ceiles, Dr. Smith Captain Hig?n, Mr. J. 8. Nidi, and Mr J' H. Stock, M.P. H. StNoN cEk, Av ERIIAkl LICENCE.- Mr. A. Fletcher, solio.tor, Northwich, appLed on bchait of Frederick Wakefield, livery stable keeper, Northwich, for the transfer of the Lcenoe of the Hmg-o'-BoiU Inn, Weaverham, from William Pickering, the present holder, wno by the infirmi- ties of age is unable to carry on the bils nes.- The application was granted. WEAVER TAVERN, FRODSHAM.—Mr. H. N. Lmaker, solicitor, I1 rodsham, applied for a transfer of the licence of the Weaver Tavern, Frod-ha-m, to Sarah Fatilknei-, already holding a temporary authority.—The magistrates extended the temporary authority until the February meet- I .j, of ¡[J" oourt, in order that applicant may have an opportunity of obtaining a separation oider agaii-st her husband on the ground of aiie<red per- sistent cruelty, his continued presence 0 on preffisses being objected to by the polite and the 0wncrs. WHEN MEN DRINK MOST.-Mr. H. N. LinaJter asked for the magistrates' approval of plans for the alteration of the tap-rocm of the Commero,al Inn, Frodsham.—Sergeant Becley pointed out th"t the a.terauons would convert the tap-room in which the customers drank while sit- ting at tables into a vaults where men drank while standing up. He was of opinion that men, par- ticularly workingmen, drank more while standing up, and coil-kxluent-y there was more drunken- ness. He had commun.cated these observations to the Chief Constable, who had endowed them.— Mr. Linaker poimed out that a bench would be provided in the ro-om.—The plans were approved. DUCK LABOURER'S ARREARS.—William | W hite, deck labourer, was summoned by the Tar- t VJU Guardians for hav:ng ahowed his contribu- tion of Is. a week towards the maintenance of his mother to fall into arrear.-Tli,c relieving officer for the Union said defendant had paid nothing for three months, and altogether his arrears amounted to 22s. His wages averaged from 25s. to 30s., though sometimes they wouid drop below ;Ul.-An order fcr the amount cf the arrears and the costs (lls.) was made. BASE INGRATITUDE.—A Winsford youth named Isaac Robimon was charged on remand with stealing a gent,email's silver Geneva watch, value 75. 6d., the property of John Brock-, and one silver chain, value 12s. James Brooks.—James Brooks, Sia.Hon-ioad Wharton, said that when he came home from vv- rk on Nov. 26th, about 5.15 p.m., he found prisoner in his k-t-chen. It was a wet night and as. prisoner said he had nowhere to go witness told him he could s.eep on the sota. Witness having made up a. fire went to work about 5.30 the. next morning. He had left his watch on the mantelshelf, to- gether with the chain belonging to his lolli.- Sarah Brooks, w.fe of the last witness, saidi that on Nov. 26th she put the watch and chain in a drawer in the parlour. The next day she massed them. P.C. Richard Lee, of Wharton, said he apprehended prisoner on Dec. 18th and charged him with the theft. Prisoner replied that he toCok II the watch and chain and sold the watch for 3s. to a mail at a farm near Wettenhall, and the chain for gd.-Joi,n Span, wagoner, employed at Hawthorn Farm, Choimondeston, s3.d prisoner came to him and shewed him the watch and chain. lie bought the latter, which appeared to be sil- ver, for 6d.—The Chairman cautioned Span about buying silver articles under the circumstances, lie advised him to be oareftil.-Pr;oiler was sen- tenced to three months' imprisonment: with hard labour. NA UGHTY BOYS.-Two boys named John Robert Frodsham, aged 14, of Kingsiey, and Sam. rletoher, aged 17, Frodsham, wero c harged on re- mand with stealing on Dec. 18th a silver watch and brass chain, value £ 4, and one silver watch and metal chain, value 15s., the property ofaiine Lit tie, w.dow and huckster, Kingsiey.—Complain- ant said that on Dec. 20th she missed tho two watches and chains. She last saw them on Fi-: ?y.??"S'-—A boy named Fred"riok Pritohard of Kingsiey, said he saw Frodsham with one of the stolen waiehes.—P.C. D. EI wood, Kingsiey, stated that. at 4.30 p.m. on the 20th iiust. he rec- ved in- oi-maticn that the home of Mrs. Littler had been broken into on the 18th inst. He made inquiries and searched for the watches. He heard that. prisoner Frodsham. had gone home and told an- other lad that he had bought a watch. lie had Irodsham brought to Mrs. Littler's, and Pritchard handed the watch over. Fred-ham then said he had given 2s. 6d. for the watch. Ho was brimm- ing prisoner to Frodsham, and on He way they met the other prisoner. Fletcher. He (the con- stable) went to him and asked him v.-hat he had done with the watch, at the same time milling his coat on one side. He pulled the watch out of the lad s waistcoat pocket. IIo then brought both the pr soners to the Frodsham Police- Station ai, d after cautioning them he charged them with tho ohenoe. Both prisoners acknowledged the theft and Fletcher made a statement that he and Frod- sham went to Mrs. Littler s house Cll the Friday doming, and were inside the house talking to a man named Gibson. They came out with Gibson, WiJO told them he was going to the forest. Both lads wont back to the house in the afternoen and got inside, and found the watches in the bedroom, and took them.—Mr. II. N. Linaker. who ap- peared on behalf of Frodsham. said t.he lad was an cl,pia-,i, having lest, his fither when he v/us four years old, and his mother six years ago. After his mother's death t.he boy was knocking about the country, until four years ago he was taken in out of p ty by Alrs. Frodsham, probably because he bore the sam-e name as she did. The bey had been well conducted and lildli-,tr,ot. arGI he (Mr. Linaker thought he had been led away, by the other boy. who had previously ap~ peared be- foi t) ether justices en a similar charge. IT. Frod- il a r,- ?,. ?1r. sham, wno employed the lad, had written a letter offering to take him back into his employment r he was dealt with under the First Offenders Ael — The Magistrates decided to bind Frcd'ham over under the First Offenders' Act-The Chairman warned him that if he was brought up again he wouIcl not be s hewn the same clemency. If h(\ was sent to gao) at his age he would be ruined DRU\*KF\\T^USt ? to S?? for one month. DRVNKE"ESS.-Ernpt 1'?' P??er. ?.I!nigt<M, wa.s hne? 2s. 6d. Including costs fo • _?untenness, while for a similar oSonce, Jame. PoweH_, Kmgs!ey, had to pay 10s. hicmsivc r" costs.

TRUMAN'S BOTTLED BEER (Eagle Brand) is sold at 2 0 per dozen pints, in screw stoppered bottles, by H. MAUTIA- & Co., Foregate-street.

SHOCKLACH. THE CHURCH.—Withva the past month a new crimson carpevt with Ljeeler has been pro- vided for tie, (Communion j-ortion of the ehall] also a bra-s plate has been placed on the oak wet gn en by the churchwarde. bearing the follow- ing inscrption:—"To the glory of Gcd. IN memory of departed relatives by Thomas Nicksoa and James Huxley, churchwardens. St. Edith's Church. Shocklach."

?  I   ,r. w ri t?t? i c ?? '??? S'?<* MS ? S? a? -?? ? C*  ) As far back as' 480 D.C. mustard was known. and highly valued-is a medi- j cine, and each person made § his own supply. To-day I !s own su p p? y To- O,i y we use it as condiment; | it; gives to most dishes the | admirable appetising touch s t. (\4 .L r' '1 ¡.:ö \J.. that makes eating such j real joy—and most people now the world over use j Cohnan's Mustard. Co  Bw3 aB?t ?! B BB  ? B zS B H B